Well, it looks like my run as the box office guy at Einsiders.com has finally come to an end. Sorry for the sudden shut down, but things beyond my control mean that the column can no longer continue in a timely fashion. I appreciate all of your support over the years and wish everyone the best!
Sincerely,
Stephen Wong
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The numbers, October 30-Nov. 1, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | This Is It | $21,300,000 | 3,481 | $6,119 | $32,509,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 2 | Paranormal Activity | $16,540,000 | 2,404 | $6,880 | $84,780,000 | -21.6 | 6 | Paramount |
| 3 | Law Abiding Citizen | $7,303,000 | 2,764 | $2,642 | $51,385,000 | -41.1 | 3 | Overture |
| 4 | Couples Retreat | $6,097,000 | 3,026 | $2,015 | $86,663,000 | -42.6 | 4 | Universal |
| 5 | Saw VI | $5,560,000 | 3,036 | $1,831 | $22,824,000 | -60.6 | 2 | Lionsgate |
| 6 | Where the Wild Things Are | $5,081,000 | 3,645 | $1,394 | $61,800,000 | -63.8 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 7 | The Stepfather | $3,400,000 | 2,346 | $1,449 | $24,748,000 | -45.4 | 3 | Sony |
| 8 | Astro Boy | $3,035,000 | 3,020 | $1,005 | $10,891,000 | -54.7 | 2 | Summit |
| 8 | Amelia | $3,000,000 | 1,070 | $2,804 | $8,306,000 | -23.2 | 2 | Fox Searchlight |
| 10 | Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant | $2,809,000 | 2,754 | $1,020 | $10,521,000 | -55.4 | 2 | Universal |
Monday, October 26, 2009
'Paranormal Activity' scares up huge third weekend with $22m, October 23-25, 2009
How much can $11,000 buy you at the box office? Apparently one of the biggest horror-thriller revelations in history, as Paramount's indie smash Paranormal Activity continues to take the box office by storm, climbing to the top of the charts for the first time in its five week run. Clearly suffering in its wake was Lionsgate's torture porn sequel Saw VI, which debuted with the worst opening in franchise history in second place.
Continuing to build momentum in its fifth week of release was Paramount's mind-bogglingly cheap thriller Paranormal Activity, which took in another phenomenal $22 million surprisingly taking the top spot over Saw VI. Expanding from 763 to 1,945 theaters, the film saw a 12% rise in sales from last weekend, bringing its five week cume to $62.5 million. With Halloween weekend still ahead of it, it's conceivable that the R-rated release could have enough legs, thanks to tremendous word of mouth, to cross $100 million, making it one of the most profitable film ventures in cinema history.
The film hurt the most from the fantastic hold of Paranormal Activity was Lionsgate's bread-and-butter horror franchise Saw VI, which opened to $14.8 million, by far the worst opening in the lucrative series. With the last four films all earning at least $30 million (the original Saw bowed with $18.1 million), Saw VI's numbers were certainly troubling for the studio. Averaging an unimpressive $4,874 from 3,036 theaters, the $11 million budgeted pic will more than likely become the lowest grossing in the entire franchise.
Continuing to build momentum in its fifth week of release was Paramount's mind-bogglingly cheap thriller Paranormal Activity, which took in another phenomenal $22 million surprisingly taking the top spot over Saw VI. Expanding from 763 to 1,945 theaters, the film saw a 12% rise in sales from last weekend, bringing its five week cume to $62.5 million. With Halloween weekend still ahead of it, it's conceivable that the R-rated release could have enough legs, thanks to tremendous word of mouth, to cross $100 million, making it one of the most profitable film ventures in cinema history.
The film hurt the most from the fantastic hold of Paranormal Activity was Lionsgate's bread-and-butter horror franchise Saw VI, which opened to $14.8 million, by far the worst opening in the lucrative series. With the last four films all earning at least $30 million (the original Saw bowed with $18.1 million), Saw VI's numbers were certainly troubling for the studio. Averaging an unimpressive $4,874 from 3,036 theaters, the $11 million budgeted pic will more than likely become the lowest grossing in the entire franchise.
The numbers, October 23-25, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Paranormal Activity | $22,000,000 | 1,945 | $11,311 | $62,477,000 | 12.1 | 5 | Paramount |
| 2 | Saw VI | $14,797,000 | 3,036 | $4,874 | $14,797,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 3 | Where the Wild Things Are | $14,420,000 | 3,735 | $3,861 | $53,960,000 | -55.9 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 4 | Law Abiding Citizen | $12,713,000 | 2,890 | $4,399 | $40,318,000 | -39.6 | 2 | Overture |
| 5 | Couples Retreat | $11,097,000 | 3,074 | $3,610 | $78,213,000 | -35.6 | 3 | Universal |
| 6 | Astro Boy | $7,017,000 | 3,014 | $2,328 | $7,017,000 | -- | 1 | Summit |
| 7 | The Stepfather | $6,500,000 | 2,734 | $2,377 | $20,352,000 | -43.9 | 2 | Sony |
| 8 | Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant | $6,348,000 | 2,754 | $2,305 | $6,348,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 9 | Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs | $5,600,000 | 2,741 | $2,043 | $115,204,000 | -30.2 | 6 | Sony |
| 10 | Zombieland | $4,300,000 | 2,447 | $1,757 | $67,308,000 | -43.5 | 4 | Sony |
Sunday, October 18, 2009
'Where the Wild Things Are' dazzles with $32.4m bow, Oct. 16-18, 2009
While Warner cruised easily to a No. 1 opening this weekend with their surprisingly dark kids film for adults Where the Wild Things Are, it was a 155% jump in ticket sales from the indie scare pic Paranormal Activity that might have raised even more eyebrows, as the film rocketed to $20.1 million in its sophomore frame thanks to the addition of 600 theaters. Overture Pictures' thriller Law Abiding Citizen finished strong in second with $21.2 million. Cumulatively, the top 20 releases combined for the biggest October weekend in history.
Thanks to an intriguing marketing campaign that seemed more intended for an adult audience, one of the most cherished children's books of all-time saw its film adaptation post the biggest October weekend in history with $32.4 million. Directed by Spike Jonze, the well-reviewed PG-rated pic took in an impressive $8,693 in 3,735 theaters, giving Warner the eighth biggest October bow ever.
Reviews, while mostly positive, all noted the dark nature of the film, and Friday to Saturday numbers show that the film might be having trouble attracting the family market. After a $12.1 million Friday bow, the film increased just 2% on Saturday, a shallow increase compared to other family-friendly fare. Budgeted at $75 million, Warner is hoping the film will be able to appeal to more than just the 20 to 30-something hipsters and into the broader market at large in the coming weeks.
Gerard Butler's revenge pic Law Abiding Citizen finished strong in second with $21.3 million, averaging a solid $7,353 in 2,890 theaters. The R-rated pic opened close to Liam Neeson's sleeper smash Taken, which debuted with $24.7 million on its way to $145 million total. Don't expect that kind of longevity from Citizen though, which was poorly received by critics and will have plenty of competition in the coming weeks.
Paramount expanded its sleeper horror hit Paranormal Activity by 600 theaters, and it helped push the film up 155% from its debut, finishing the weekend with $20.2 million. The R-rated scarefest averaged a whopping $26,530 per theater, showing signs that word of mouth has been extremely strong. Made on an incredible $11,000 budget, the films domestic cume now stands at $33.7 million, and still has the lucrative Halloween weekend ahead of it. Look for the film to flirt with $75 million domestic.
Last week's No. 1 fell three spots to No. 4, as Universal's poorly-reviewed comedy Couples Retreat slipped 48% to $17.9 million. In ten days the $70 million budgeted pic has grossed $63.3 million, and should barely surpass $100 million by the end of its run.
Sony Screen Gem's horror pic The Stepfather debuted with $12.3 million in fifth place, averaging $4,499 in 2,734 theaters. Budgeted at just $19 million, the PG-13 release should have no problem breaking even domestic.
Sony's animated comedy Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs finished just behind with $8.1 million, breaking the $100 million mark in its 28th day of release. The $100m budgeted film has now amassed $108.3 million, and could hit $135 million by the end of its run.
Sony also took the next spot with its horror-comedy Zombieland, which fell 47% to $7.8 million. The $24m budgeted pic has grossed $60.8 million to date.
Extended its limited run to a third week after a successful two-week stint, Disney-Pixar's 3D double feature Toy Story & Toy Story 2 took in another $3 million, bringing its 17 day cume to an amazing $28.6 million.
Thanks to solid holdovers and a strong opening from Where the Wild Things Are, the top ten films grossed an estimated $126.9 million, up an impressive 59% from last year's comparable frame when Max Payne topped with $17.6 million.
Thanks to an intriguing marketing campaign that seemed more intended for an adult audience, one of the most cherished children's books of all-time saw its film adaptation post the biggest October weekend in history with $32.4 million. Directed by Spike Jonze, the well-reviewed PG-rated pic took in an impressive $8,693 in 3,735 theaters, giving Warner the eighth biggest October bow ever.
Reviews, while mostly positive, all noted the dark nature of the film, and Friday to Saturday numbers show that the film might be having trouble attracting the family market. After a $12.1 million Friday bow, the film increased just 2% on Saturday, a shallow increase compared to other family-friendly fare. Budgeted at $75 million, Warner is hoping the film will be able to appeal to more than just the 20 to 30-something hipsters and into the broader market at large in the coming weeks.
Gerard Butler's revenge pic Law Abiding Citizen finished strong in second with $21.3 million, averaging a solid $7,353 in 2,890 theaters. The R-rated pic opened close to Liam Neeson's sleeper smash Taken, which debuted with $24.7 million on its way to $145 million total. Don't expect that kind of longevity from Citizen though, which was poorly received by critics and will have plenty of competition in the coming weeks.
Paramount expanded its sleeper horror hit Paranormal Activity by 600 theaters, and it helped push the film up 155% from its debut, finishing the weekend with $20.2 million. The R-rated scarefest averaged a whopping $26,530 per theater, showing signs that word of mouth has been extremely strong. Made on an incredible $11,000 budget, the films domestic cume now stands at $33.7 million, and still has the lucrative Halloween weekend ahead of it. Look for the film to flirt with $75 million domestic.
Last week's No. 1 fell three spots to No. 4, as Universal's poorly-reviewed comedy Couples Retreat slipped 48% to $17.9 million. In ten days the $70 million budgeted pic has grossed $63.3 million, and should barely surpass $100 million by the end of its run.
Sony Screen Gem's horror pic The Stepfather debuted with $12.3 million in fifth place, averaging $4,499 in 2,734 theaters. Budgeted at just $19 million, the PG-13 release should have no problem breaking even domestic.
Sony's animated comedy Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs finished just behind with $8.1 million, breaking the $100 million mark in its 28th day of release. The $100m budgeted film has now amassed $108.3 million, and could hit $135 million by the end of its run.
Sony also took the next spot with its horror-comedy Zombieland, which fell 47% to $7.8 million. The $24m budgeted pic has grossed $60.8 million to date.
Extended its limited run to a third week after a successful two-week stint, Disney-Pixar's 3D double feature Toy Story & Toy Story 2 took in another $3 million, bringing its 17 day cume to an amazing $28.6 million.
Thanks to solid holdovers and a strong opening from Where the Wild Things Are, the top ten films grossed an estimated $126.9 million, up an impressive 59% from last year's comparable frame when Max Payne topped with $17.6 million.
The numbers, October 16-18, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Where the Wild Things Are | $32,470,000 | 3,735 | $8,693 | $32,470,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Law Abiding Citizen | $21,250,000 | 2,890 | $7,353 | $21,250,000 | -- | 1 | Overture |
| 3 | Paranormal Activity | $20,163,000 | 760 | $26,530 | $33,717,000 | 155.2 | 4 | Paramount |
| 4 | Couples Retreat | $17,949,000 | 3,009 | $5,965 | $63,339,000 | -47.7 | 2 | Universal |
| 5 | The Stepfather | $12,300,000 | 2,734 | $4,499 | $12,300,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 6 | Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs | $8,100,000 | 3,037 | $2,667 | $108,284,000 | -29.7 | 5 | Sony |
| 7 | Zombieland | $7,800,000 | 3,171 | $2,460 | $60,823,000 | -47.3 | 3 | Sony |
| 8 | Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (3D) | $3,011,000 | 1,489 | $2,022 | $28,594,000 | -61.2 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 9 | Surrogates | $1,922,000 | 2,326 | $826 | $36,332,000 | -55.0 | 4 | Buena Vista |
| 10 | The Invention of Lying | $1,905,000 | 1,624 | $1,173 | $15,495,000 | -43.0 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
Monday, October 12, 2009
The numbers, October 9-11, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Couples Retreat | $35,340,000 | 3,000 | $11,780 | $35,340,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 2 | Zombieland | $15,000,000 | 3,038 | $4,937 | $47,810,000 | -39.4 | 2 | Sony |
| 3 | Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs | $12,000,000 | 3,077 | $3,900 | $96,251,000 | -24.1 | 4 | Sony |
| 4 | Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (3D) | $7,674,000 | 1,752 | $4,380 | $22,670,000 | -38.6 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 5 | Paranormal Activity | $7,066,000 | 159 | $44,440 | $8,280,000 | -- | 3 | Paramount |
| 6 | Surrogates | $4,115,000 | 2,992 | $1,375 | $32,573,000 | -43.2 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 7 | The Invention of Lying | $3,370,000 | 1,743 | $1,933 | $12,327,000 | -52.0 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | Whip It | $2,800,000 | 1,738 | $1,611 | $8,766,058 | -39.8 | 2 | Fox Searchlight |
| 9 | Capitalism: A Love Story | $2,700,000 | 995 | $2,714 | $9,095,191 | -39.3 | 3 | Overture |
| 10 | Fame | $2,556,000 | 3,110 | $822 | $20,041,762 | -44.8 | 3 | MGM |
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The numbers, October 2-4, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Zombieland | $25,000,000 | 3,036 | $8,235 | $25,000,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 2 | Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs | $16,700,000 | 2,977 | $5,610 | $82,392,000 | -33.3 | 3 | Sony |
| 3 | Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (3D) | $12,500,000 | 1,745 | $7,163 | $12,500,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | The Invention of Lying | $7,350,000 | 1,707 | $4,306 | $7,350,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 5 | Surrogates | $7,344,000 | 2,951 | $2,489 | $26,387,000 | -50.7 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 6 | Whip It | $4,850,000 | 1,720 | $2,820 | $4,850,000 | -- | 1 | Fox Searchlight |
| 6 | Capitalism: A Love Story | $4,850,000 | 962 | $5,042 | $5,252,000 | -- | 2 | Overture |
| 8 | Fame | $4,754,000 | 3,133 | $1,517 | $16,634,000 | -52.5 | 2 | MGM |
| 9 | The Informant! | $3,800,000 | 2,425 | $1,567 | $26,580,000 | -42.6 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 10 | Love Happens | $2,777,000 | 1,922 | $1,445 | $18,910,000 | -35.5 | 3 | Universal |
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The numbers, Sept. 25-27, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs | $24,600,000 | 3,119 | $7,887 | $60,036,000 | -18.8 | 2 | Sony |
| 2 | Surrogates | $15,000,000 | 2,951 | $5,083 | $15,000,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 3 | Fame | $10,033,000 | 3,096 | $3,241 | $10,033,000 | -- | 1 | MGM |
| 4 | The Informant! | $6,915,000 | 2,505 | $2,760 | $20,992,000 | -33.9 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 5 | I Can Do Bad All By Myself | $4,752,000 | 2,120 | $2,242 | $44,545,000 | -51.9 | 3 | Lionsgate |
| 6 | Pandorum | $4,408,000 | 2,506 | $1,759 | $4,408,000 | -- | 1 | Overture |
| 7 | Love Happens | $4,327,000 | 1,898 | $2,280 | $14,728,000 | -46.3 | 2 | Universal |
| 8 | Jennifer's Body | $3,500,000 | 2,738 | $1,278 | $12,306,000 | -49.0 | 2 | Fox |
| 9 | 9 | $2,832,000 | 2,025 | $1,399 | $27,101,000 | -49.1 | 3 | Focus |
| 10 | Inglourious Basterds | $2,722,000 | 1,960 | $1,389 | $114,460,000 | -28.7 | 6 | Weinstein Co. |
Monday, September 21, 2009
The numbers, Sept. 18-20, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs | $30,100,000 | 3,119 | $9,651 | $30,100,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 2 | The Informant! | $10,545,000 | 2,505 | $4,210 | $10,545,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 3 | I Can Do Bad All By Myself | $10,066,000 | 2,255 | $4,464 | $37,938,000 | -57.1 | 2 | Lionsgate |
| 4 | Love Happens | $8,456,000 | 1,898 | $4,455 | $8,456,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 5 | Jennifer's Body | $6,800,000 | 2,702 | $2,517 | $6,800,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 6 | 9 | $5,458,000 | 2,060 | $2,650 | $22,794,000 | -49.2 | 2 | Focus |
| 7 | Inglourious Basterds | $3,603,000 | 2,519 | $1,430 | $109,901,000 | -41.3 | 5 | Weinstein Co. |
| 8 | All About Steve | $3,400,000 | 2,159 | $1,575 | $26,678,000 | -39.7 | 3 | Fox |
| 9 | Sorority Row | $2,490,000 | 2,591 | $961 | $8,871,000 | -50.8 | 2 | Summit |
| 10 | The Final Destination | $2,375,000 | 1,805 | $1,316 | $62,392,000 | -57.0 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
Monday, September 14, 2009
The numbers, Sept. 11-13, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | I Can Do Bad All By Myself | $24,030,000 | 2,255 | $10,656 | $24,030,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 2 | 9 | $10,856,000 | 1,661 | $6,536 | $15,264,000 | -- | 1 | Focus |
| 3 | Inglourious Basterds | $6,546,000 | 3,215 | $2,036 | $104,309,000 | -43.7 | 4 | Weinstein Co. |
| 4 | All About Steve | $5,800,000 | 2,265 | $2,561 | $21,812,000 | -48.4 | 2 | Fox |
| 5 | The Final Destination | $5,500,000 | 2,732 | $2,013 | $58,258,000 | -55.5 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 6 | Sorority Row | $5,268,000 | 2,665 | $1,977 | $5,268,000 | -- | 1 | Summit |
| 7 | Whiteout | $5,100,000 | 2,745 | $1,858 | $5,100,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | District 9 | $3,600,000 | 2,560 | $1,406 | $108,517,000 | -49.1 | 5 | Sony |
| 9 | Julie & Julia | $3,300,000 | 2,342 | $1,409 | $85,360,000 | -38.0 | 6 | Sony |
| 10 | Gamer | $3,148,000 | 2,502 | $1,258 | $16,117,000 | -65.6 | 2 | Lionsgate |
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
'The Final Destination' closes summer season with $15.4m, Sept. 4-7, 2009
The summer box office season came to an end with the horror sequel The Final Destination topping the box office for the second straight weekend. Over the extended four day Labor Day weekend the film managed $15.4 million, just edging Inglourious Basterds which finished with $15 million this weekend. Newcomers All About Steve and Gamer finished third and fourth, while Sony's sleeper smash District 9 rounded out the top five, becoming the 20th film of 2009 to break the century mark.
Topping the box office for the second week in a row was Warner's horror-thriller The Final Destination, which took in $15.4 million over the four-day weekend. In 11 days the $40 million budgeted pic has grossed $50.7 million, and should wind up with $75 million domestic.
Quetin Tarantino's WWII rampage Inglourious Basterds held onto second place with $15 million, bringing the $70 million budgeted Weinstein Co. release to an incredible $91.8 million domestic. Add to that a $95.2 million international haul, and the film's worldwide total stands at $178.5 million.
Fox's romantic comedy All About Steve with an estimated finished in third with $13.9 million, despite being universally trashed by critics. Starring Sandra Bullock and The Hangover's Bradley Cooper, the film averaged a strong $6,175 in 2,251 theaters.
Gerard Butler's actioner Gamer shrugged off similarly poor reviews to open in fourth with $11.2 million. The R-rated Lionsgate pic averaged a mediocre $4,476 in 2,502 theaters. Expect steep declines in the coming weeks.
Sony's smash hit District 9 surged past the $100 million mark this weekend with its $9 million holiday haul, becoming the 20th film of 2009 to do so. The sci-fi actioner has now grossed $103.3 million domestic, and could wind up with $140 million by the end of its run.
Topping the box office for the second week in a row was Warner's horror-thriller The Final Destination, which took in $15.4 million over the four-day weekend. In 11 days the $40 million budgeted pic has grossed $50.7 million, and should wind up with $75 million domestic.
Quetin Tarantino's WWII rampage Inglourious Basterds held onto second place with $15 million, bringing the $70 million budgeted Weinstein Co. release to an incredible $91.8 million domestic. Add to that a $95.2 million international haul, and the film's worldwide total stands at $178.5 million.
Fox's romantic comedy All About Steve with an estimated finished in third with $13.9 million, despite being universally trashed by critics. Starring Sandra Bullock and The Hangover's Bradley Cooper, the film averaged a strong $6,175 in 2,251 theaters.
Gerard Butler's actioner Gamer shrugged off similarly poor reviews to open in fourth with $11.2 million. The R-rated Lionsgate pic averaged a mediocre $4,476 in 2,502 theaters. Expect steep declines in the coming weeks.
Sony's smash hit District 9 surged past the $100 million mark this weekend with its $9 million holiday haul, becoming the 20th film of 2009 to do so. The sci-fi actioner has now grossed $103.3 million domestic, and could wind up with $140 million by the end of its run.
The numbers, Sept. 4-7, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | The Final Destination | $15,445,000 | 3,121 | $4,949 | $50,654,000 | -43.6 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Inglourious Basterds | $15,031,000 | 3,358 | $4,476 | $95,226,000 | -22.1 | 3 | Weinstein Co. |
| 3 | All About Steve | $13,900,000 | 2,251 | $6,175 | $13,900,000 | - | 1 | Fox |
| 4 | Gamer | $11,200,000 | 2,502 | $4,476 | $11,200,000 | -- | 1 | Lionsgate |
| 5 | District 9 | $9,000,000 | 3,139 | $2,867 | $103,274,000 | -12.4 | 4 | Sony |
| 6 | Halloween 2 | $7,074,000 | 3,088 | $2,291 | $27,130,000 | -56.7 | 2 | Weinstein Co. |
| 7 | Julie & Julia | $7,000,000 | 2,528 | $2,769 | $80,640,000 | -0.5 | 5 | Sony |
| 8 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra | $6,700,000 | 2,846 | $2,354 | $141,015,000 | -13.2 | 5 | Paramount |
| 9 | The Time Traveler's Wife | $5,455,000 | 2,803 | $1,946 | $55,797,000 | -15.5 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
| 10 | Extract | $5,313,000 | 1,611 | $3,298 | $5,313,000 | -- | 1 | Miramax |
Monday, August 31, 2009
'Final Destination' edges 'Basterds' for top spot, August 28-30, 2009
Two R-rated horror flicks battled it out against last week's champ Inglourious Basterds for the top spot this weekend, with the 3D thriller The Final Destination easily beating out all other competitors with a strong $28.3 million debut. It was the third straight weekend (and fourth in five weeks) that an R-rated pic topped the charts, following Basterds and District 9. Quentin Tarantino's Basterds slipped a better than expected 47% to $20 million, while Rob Zombie's Halloween II finished in third with a $17.3 million bow. Focus Features' comedy Taking Woodstock opened a distant ninth with $3.7 million.
Thanks to a massive ad campaign and the promise of in-your-face 3D horror thrills, audiences came out in big numbers for Warner's horror sequel The Final Destination. Budgeted at a modest $40 million, the 3-D pic took in a strong $28.3 million, averaging $9,079 in a wide 3,121 theaters. Offering the 3-D version of the film in over half of its theaters (approximately 1,700), the film's increased margins helped it post by far the biggest opening in the Final Destination franchises history, blowing by previous best Final Destination 3, which took in $19.2 million in February 2006.
Dropping 47% to second place was Quentin Tarantino's WWII pic Inglourious Basterds, taking in another strong $20 million this weekend. That brought its ten day cume to an impressive $73.8 million. Buoyed by excellent reviews and good word of mouth, the $70 million budgeted gore fest is on pace to blow past $100 million. Internationally, the Weinstein Co. produced actioner took in $19.4 million, bringing its overseas cume to $59.1 million. Universal owns the film's international rights, while the Weinstein Co. is handling domestic distribution.
Debuting in third was another Weinstein Co. film, the horror sequel Halloween II with $17.4 million. Despite the big competition in front of it, the Rob Zombie-directed pic averaged a solid $5,754 in 3,025 theaters. The debut fell well short of its 2007 predecessor Halloween, which took in $26.4 million in its debut. Reviews were poor to say the least.
Sony's acclaimed sci-fi pic District 9 slipped just 41% to fourth with $10.7 million. In just 17 days the $30 million budgeted film has grossed $90.8 million, and should have no problems surpassing $100 million by next weekend. Directed by newcomer Neil Blomkamp and starring a cast of unknowns, District 9 should go down as one of the most pleasant surprises of the summer season.
The numbers, August 28-30, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | The Final Destination | $28,335,000 | 3,121 | $9,079 | $28,335,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 2 | Inglourious Basterds | $20,041,000 | 3,165 | $6,332 | $73,760,000 | -47.3 | 2 | Weinstein Co. |
| 3 | Halloween 2 | $17,405,000 | 3,025 | $5,754 | $17,405,000 | -- | 1 | Weinstein Co. |
| 4 | District 9 | $10,700,000 | 3,180 | $3,365 | $90,813,000 | -41.3 | 3 | Sony |
| 5 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra | $8,000,000 | 3,467 | $2,307 | $132,436,000 | -34.5 | 4 | Paramount |
| 6 | Julie & Julia | $7,400,000 | 2,503 | $2,956 | $70,992,000 | -15.9 | 4 | Sony |
| 7 | The Time Traveler's Wife | $6,745,000 | 2,961 | $2,278 | $48,193,000 | -30.8 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | Shorts | $4,870,000 | 3,105 | $1,568 | $13,565,000 | -24.0 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 9 | Taking Woodstock | $3,749,000 | 1,393 | $2,691 | $3,769,000 | -- | 1 | Focus |
| 10 | G-Force | $2,845,000 | 1,926 | $1,477 | $111,801,000 | -30.9 | 6 | Buena Vista |
Monday, August 24, 2009
'Basterds' takes box office by storm with $37.6m, August 21-23, 2009
For the second week in a row a newcomer blew past industry expectations to claim the top spot at the box office. This week it went to Quentin Tarantino and Co., as their eclectic and gory WWII pic Inglourious Basterds dominated the weekend with a whopping $37.6 million. Last week's champ District 9 slipped to second with a solid $18.9 million showing. Two other newcomers, Shorts and Post Grad finished a distant sixth and tenth place respectively.
Thanks to some huge buzz, good reviews, Brad Pitt's hefty nameplate, and a rather controversial take on the World War II genre, Quentin Taratino's Inglourious Basterds lead all film with an impressive $37.6 million debut, far beyond industry expectations in the mid-$20m range. Budgeted at $70 million, the big opening likely postponed financial ruin for the struggling Weinstein Co. for another day. Universal co-produced the film.
Averaging a huge $11,880 in 3,165 theaters, Basterds easily became director Tarantino's biggest debut ever, besting 2004's Kill Bill Vol. 2 with $25.1 million. The well-reviewed R-rated pic scored a "fresh" 87% recommendation rating from critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com, but a 10% drop from Friday to Saturday might mean larger drops in the next few weekends. Internationally, Inglourious Basterds opened in 22 markets for a $27.5 million bow, pushing its global take to $65.1 million this weekend.
Falling a better-than-expected 49% to second was the sci-fi sleeper hit District 9, which finished with $18.9 million this weekend. In ten days the $30 million budgeted Sony pic has amassed a hugely profitable $73.5 million, and looks on pace to blow past $100 million domestic. Word of mouth appears stronger than normal for a sci-fi pic of its nature, considering last year's Cloverfield saw a huge 68% drop in its sophomore frame. Despite opening slightly larger than District 9, that film finished its domestic run at $80 million.
G.I. Joe claimed the third spot with $12.5 million, dropping just 44% this weekend. In three weeks the $175m budgeted Paramount release has grossed $120.5 million, and a $150 million domestic take seems likely.
Robert Rodriguez's latest foray in the childrens genre was a dud, as Warner's Shorts managed just $6.6 million in sixth place. Averaging just $2,126 from a wide 3,105 theaters, the kidpic fell well short of 2003's Spy Kids 3D: Game Over with $33 million, and even 2005's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D with $12.5 million.
Fox's Post Grad was DOA, debuting with $2.8m in 1,959 theaters, averaging a meek $1,429. Starring Gilmore Girls' Alexis Bledel, the film was slaughtered by critics. Even worse was X Games 3D: The Movie, which managed just $800,000 in 1,399 theaters for a pathetic $572 average. The Buena Vista release opened at No. 19 this weekend.
Thanks to a better-than-expected debut from Basterds, as well as some strong holdover performances, the top ten films grossed an estimated $108 million, up 31% from last year's comparable frame when Tropic Thunder stayed on top with $16.3 million.
Thanks to some huge buzz, good reviews, Brad Pitt's hefty nameplate, and a rather controversial take on the World War II genre, Quentin Taratino's Inglourious Basterds lead all film with an impressive $37.6 million debut, far beyond industry expectations in the mid-$20m range. Budgeted at $70 million, the big opening likely postponed financial ruin for the struggling Weinstein Co. for another day. Universal co-produced the film.
Averaging a huge $11,880 in 3,165 theaters, Basterds easily became director Tarantino's biggest debut ever, besting 2004's Kill Bill Vol. 2 with $25.1 million. The well-reviewed R-rated pic scored a "fresh" 87% recommendation rating from critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com, but a 10% drop from Friday to Saturday might mean larger drops in the next few weekends. Internationally, Inglourious Basterds opened in 22 markets for a $27.5 million bow, pushing its global take to $65.1 million this weekend.
Falling a better-than-expected 49% to second was the sci-fi sleeper hit District 9, which finished with $18.9 million this weekend. In ten days the $30 million budgeted Sony pic has amassed a hugely profitable $73.5 million, and looks on pace to blow past $100 million domestic. Word of mouth appears stronger than normal for a sci-fi pic of its nature, considering last year's Cloverfield saw a huge 68% drop in its sophomore frame. Despite opening slightly larger than District 9, that film finished its domestic run at $80 million.
G.I. Joe claimed the third spot with $12.5 million, dropping just 44% this weekend. In three weeks the $175m budgeted Paramount release has grossed $120.5 million, and a $150 million domestic take seems likely.
Robert Rodriguez's latest foray in the childrens genre was a dud, as Warner's Shorts managed just $6.6 million in sixth place. Averaging just $2,126 from a wide 3,105 theaters, the kidpic fell well short of 2003's Spy Kids 3D: Game Over with $33 million, and even 2005's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D with $12.5 million.
Fox's Post Grad was DOA, debuting with $2.8m in 1,959 theaters, averaging a meek $1,429. Starring Gilmore Girls' Alexis Bledel, the film was slaughtered by critics. Even worse was X Games 3D: The Movie, which managed just $800,000 in 1,399 theaters for a pathetic $572 average. The Buena Vista release opened at No. 19 this weekend.
Thanks to a better-than-expected debut from Basterds, as well as some strong holdover performances, the top ten films grossed an estimated $108 million, up 31% from last year's comparable frame when Tropic Thunder stayed on top with $16.3 million.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The numbers, August 21-23, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Inglourious Basterds | $37,600,000 | 3,165 | $11,880 | $37,600,000 | -- | 1 | Weinstein Co. |
| 2 | District 9 | $18,900,000 | 3,050 | $6,197 | $73,491,000 | -49.4 | 2 | Sony |
| 3 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra | $12,500,000 | 3,953 | $3,162 | $120,531,000 | -44.0 | 3 | Paramount |
| 4 | The Time Traveler's Wife | $10,025,000 | 2,988 | $3,355 | $37,448,000 | -46.2 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 5 | Julie & Julia | $9,000,000 | 2,463 | $3,654 | $59,288,000 | -25.3 | 3 | Sony |
| 6 | Shorts | $6,600,000 | 3,105 | $2,126 | $6,600,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 7 | G-Force | $4,205,000 | 2,561 | $1,642 | $107,315,000 | -39.2 | 5 | Buena Vista |
| 8 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | $3,515,000 | 1,936 | $1,816 | $290,275,000 | -31.6 | 6 | Warner Bros. |
| 9 | The Ugly Truth | $2,850,000 | 1,971 | $1,446 | $82,887,000 | -35.9 | 5 | Sony |
| 10 | Post Grad | $2,800,000 | 1,959 | $1,429 | $2,800,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
Monday, August 17, 2009
'District 9' invades theaters with strong $37m debut, August 14-16, 2009
Opponents of Sony's low-budget sci-fi actioner failed to keep the aliens out, as the $30 million Peter Jackson produced pic dominated the box office with a much better-than-expected $37 million weekend. The debut sent last week's champ G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra tumbling 59% to second with $22.5 million, while Warner's time-bending romance The Time Traveler's Wife finished strong in third with $19.2 million.
Critics went gaga over the directorial debut of South African filmmaker and Peter Jackson protege Neill Blomkamp, whose sci-fi pic blew past industry expectations with a $37 million debut. Thanks to an intriguing viral advertising campaign, stellar reviews and great buzz coming out of this year's Comic-Con convention, the modestly budgeted $30 million alien-encounters pic overcame having a cast of complete unknowns and a very unusual storyline. Averaging a stellar $12,135 in 3,049 theaters, the R-rated pic skewed heavily male and Under 25, dominating the core audience that propelled G.I. Joe's opening weekend.
Compared with last year's Cloverfield, a similarly unconventional sci-fi release that thrived off its unusual premise, no stars, low budget, and pseudo-documentary style visuals, District 9 fell a bit short of that $40.1 million opening. That film tailed off quickly and finished its domestic run with $80 million. But if word of mouth turns out to be strong for District 9, look for the film to best Cloverfield's domestic haul.
Thanks to the arrival of District 9, last week's champ G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra fell a steep 59% to $22.5 million, bringing its ten day haul to $98.8 million. Budgeted at a hefty $175 million, the Paramount/Hasbro release will most likely fall short of its budget by the end of its domestic run.
Warner's counter-programming play succeeded for third as their romance The Time Traveler's Wife opened with $19.2 million. Averaging $6,427 in 2,988 theaters, the Rachel McAdams-Eric Bana flick shrugged off poor reviews and saw a 17% drop in sales from Friday to Saturday, indicate lukewarm word of mouth.
Conversely, Meryl Streep's Julie & Julia fell just 38% to $12.4 million in fourth. Budgeted at just $38 million, the Sony release has grossed $43.7 million in ten days.
Debuting poorly in sixth was the R-rated comedy The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, which took in $5.4 million in 1,838 theaters for a $2,911 average. Starring Entourage's Jeremy Piven, the film was slaughtered by critics.
Debuting in ninth with much fanfare from critics but not much love from audiences was Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki's latest film Ponyo, which took in just $3.5 million in 927 theaters. Averaging a modest $3,782 per theater, the film is just the latest in a line of critically-acclaimed and internationally popular Miyazaki releases that failed to find an audience in the U.S.
Thanks to a better-than-expected debut from District 9, the top ten films grossed an estimated $119.5 million, up 12% from last year's comparable frame when Tropic Thunder topped with $25.8 million.
Critics went gaga over the directorial debut of South African filmmaker and Peter Jackson protege Neill Blomkamp, whose sci-fi pic blew past industry expectations with a $37 million debut. Thanks to an intriguing viral advertising campaign, stellar reviews and great buzz coming out of this year's Comic-Con convention, the modestly budgeted $30 million alien-encounters pic overcame having a cast of complete unknowns and a very unusual storyline. Averaging a stellar $12,135 in 3,049 theaters, the R-rated pic skewed heavily male and Under 25, dominating the core audience that propelled G.I. Joe's opening weekend.
Compared with last year's Cloverfield, a similarly unconventional sci-fi release that thrived off its unusual premise, no stars, low budget, and pseudo-documentary style visuals, District 9 fell a bit short of that $40.1 million opening. That film tailed off quickly and finished its domestic run with $80 million. But if word of mouth turns out to be strong for District 9, look for the film to best Cloverfield's domestic haul.
Thanks to the arrival of District 9, last week's champ G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra fell a steep 59% to $22.5 million, bringing its ten day haul to $98.8 million. Budgeted at a hefty $175 million, the Paramount/Hasbro release will most likely fall short of its budget by the end of its domestic run.
Warner's counter-programming play succeeded for third as their romance The Time Traveler's Wife opened with $19.2 million. Averaging $6,427 in 2,988 theaters, the Rachel McAdams-Eric Bana flick shrugged off poor reviews and saw a 17% drop in sales from Friday to Saturday, indicate lukewarm word of mouth.
Conversely, Meryl Streep's Julie & Julia fell just 38% to $12.4 million in fourth. Budgeted at just $38 million, the Sony release has grossed $43.7 million in ten days.
Debuting poorly in sixth was the R-rated comedy The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, which took in $5.4 million in 1,838 theaters for a $2,911 average. Starring Entourage's Jeremy Piven, the film was slaughtered by critics.
Debuting in ninth with much fanfare from critics but not much love from audiences was Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki's latest film Ponyo, which took in just $3.5 million in 927 theaters. Averaging a modest $3,782 per theater, the film is just the latest in a line of critically-acclaimed and internationally popular Miyazaki releases that failed to find an audience in the U.S.
Thanks to a better-than-expected debut from District 9, the top ten films grossed an estimated $119.5 million, up 12% from last year's comparable frame when Tropic Thunder topped with $25.8 million.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The numbers, August 14-16, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | District 9 | $37,000,000 | 3,049 | $12,135 | $37,000,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 2 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra | $22,500,000 | 4,007 | $5,615 | $98,753,000 | -58.9 | 2 | Paramount |
| 3 | The Time Traveler's Wife | $19,205,000 | 2,988 | $6,427 | $19,205,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 4 | Julie & Julia | $12,400,000 | 2,354 | $5,268 | $43,684,000 | -38.1 | 2 | Sony |
| 5 | G-Force | $6,908,000 | 3,065 | $2,254 | $99,049,000 | -30.0 | 4 | Buena Vista |
| 6 | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard | $5,350,000 | 1,838 | $2,911 | $5,350,000 | -- | 1 | Paramount |
| 7 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | $5,155,000 | 2,771 | $1,860 | $283,893,000 | -42.3 | 5 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | The Ugly Truth | $4,500,000 | 2,733 | $1,647 | $77,502,000 | -33.3 | 4 | Sony |
| 9 | Ponyo | $3,506,000 | 927 | $3,782 | $3,506,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 10 | (500) Days of Summer | $3,025,000 | 1,048 | $2,886 | $17,955,000 | -19.1 | 5 | Fox Searchlight |
Sunday, August 9, 2009
'G.I. Joe' posts fourth biggest August bow with $56.2m, August 7-9, 2009
Against the better judgment of film critics, many of whom were kept out of pre-release screenings thanks to a cheeky move by Paramount to give bloggers and fanboy sites first crack at reviewing their latest toy-to-screen adaptation, young male moviegoers flocked heavily to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, giving the big-budget actioner the fourth largest August debut in history with $56.2 million. Meryl Streep's well-received Julie & Julia also beat expectations in second with $20.1 million.
Thanks to a massive marketing push and an ultrawide launch in 4,007 theaters across North America, Paramount's $175 million budgeted toy commercial G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra posted the fourth biggest August opening in history with $56.2 million, averaging a fantastic $14,025 per theater. Only 2007's The Bourne Ultimatum ($69.3m), 2001's Rush Hour 2 ($67.4m), and 2002's Signs ($60.1m) have opened bigger. Knowing full well the critical drubbing they took for their last toy-to-movie pic Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Paramount showed the Stephen Sommers directed pic only to a limited number of critics (mainly bloggers and critics from fanboy outlets). The stunt apparently worked, as Friday's Rottentomatoes.com score sat in the high 80% range before plummeting to 37% this weekend.
Thanks to a massive $22.3 million Friday haul, Joe handily beat expectations in the mid-$40m range. The film did see an 18% drop in sales from Friday to Saturday, an ominous sign that legs may not be there for this latest popcorn fare. With its mostly day-and-date release across the globe, G.I. Joe bowed with $44 million internationally, pushing its worldwide take this weekend to $100 million. Don't look for the pic to break even domestically.
Offering counterprogramming to the mindless action-fest that is G.I. Joe, Sony's well-reviewed Meryl Streep-Amy Adams starrer Julie & Julia opened strong in second with $20.1 million, also handily beating expectations. Launching in 2,354 theaters, the PG-13 pic averaged a healthy $8,539 per theater. While the debut didn't match last summer's musical smash Mamma Mia!, which bowed with $27.8 million, the $38 million budgeted pic saw an encouraging 17% jump in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday, indicating strong word of mouth. Look for a healthy domestic run for the film.
Falling 44% to $9.8 million was Disney's 3D actioner G-Force, which finished third once again this weekend. In three weeks the fx-laden family comedy has grossed $86.1 million. The film should have no trouble crossing $100 million by the end of its run.
Falling one spot below G-Force was Warner's blockbuster sequel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which fell 50% to $8.9 million. Despite the big drop the film is still running ahead of 2007's Order of the Phoenix, and has amassed $273.8 million in four weeks of release. Budgeted at a massive $250 million, the film has an excellent shot at breaking $300 million domestic to become the second highest grossing film of 2009. Internationally the film took in another strong $22.3 million, bringing its total to $541.8 million. That puts its worldwide total at a jaw-dropping $815.6 million and counting.
The second weekend for Judd Apatow's Funny People wasn't funny at all, as the Adam Sandler-Seth Rogen pic fell 65% to $7.9 million in fifth place. The $75 million budgeted R-rated comedy has grossed $40.4 million to date. At its current pace, the film will finish well short of Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin with $109.2 million and Knocked Up with $148.8 million.
Thanks to a massive marketing push and an ultrawide launch in 4,007 theaters across North America, Paramount's $175 million budgeted toy commercial G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra posted the fourth biggest August opening in history with $56.2 million, averaging a fantastic $14,025 per theater. Only 2007's The Bourne Ultimatum ($69.3m), 2001's Rush Hour 2 ($67.4m), and 2002's Signs ($60.1m) have opened bigger. Knowing full well the critical drubbing they took for their last toy-to-movie pic Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Paramount showed the Stephen Sommers directed pic only to a limited number of critics (mainly bloggers and critics from fanboy outlets). The stunt apparently worked, as Friday's Rottentomatoes.com score sat in the high 80% range before plummeting to 37% this weekend.
Thanks to a massive $22.3 million Friday haul, Joe handily beat expectations in the mid-$40m range. The film did see an 18% drop in sales from Friday to Saturday, an ominous sign that legs may not be there for this latest popcorn fare. With its mostly day-and-date release across the globe, G.I. Joe bowed with $44 million internationally, pushing its worldwide take this weekend to $100 million. Don't look for the pic to break even domestically.
Offering counterprogramming to the mindless action-fest that is G.I. Joe, Sony's well-reviewed Meryl Streep-Amy Adams starrer Julie & Julia opened strong in second with $20.1 million, also handily beating expectations. Launching in 2,354 theaters, the PG-13 pic averaged a healthy $8,539 per theater. While the debut didn't match last summer's musical smash Mamma Mia!, which bowed with $27.8 million, the $38 million budgeted pic saw an encouraging 17% jump in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday, indicating strong word of mouth. Look for a healthy domestic run for the film.
Falling 44% to $9.8 million was Disney's 3D actioner G-Force, which finished third once again this weekend. In three weeks the fx-laden family comedy has grossed $86.1 million. The film should have no trouble crossing $100 million by the end of its run.
Falling one spot below G-Force was Warner's blockbuster sequel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which fell 50% to $8.9 million. Despite the big drop the film is still running ahead of 2007's Order of the Phoenix, and has amassed $273.8 million in four weeks of release. Budgeted at a massive $250 million, the film has an excellent shot at breaking $300 million domestic to become the second highest grossing film of 2009. Internationally the film took in another strong $22.3 million, bringing its total to $541.8 million. That puts its worldwide total at a jaw-dropping $815.6 million and counting.
The second weekend for Judd Apatow's Funny People wasn't funny at all, as the Adam Sandler-Seth Rogen pic fell 65% to $7.9 million in fifth place. The $75 million budgeted R-rated comedy has grossed $40.4 million to date. At its current pace, the film will finish well short of Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin with $109.2 million and Knocked Up with $148.8 million.
The numbers, August 7-9, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra | $56,200,000 | 4,007 | $14,025 | $56,200,000 | -- | 1 | Paramount |
| 2 | Julie & Julia | $20,100,000 | 2,354 | $8,539 | $20,100,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 3 | G-Force | $9,804,000 | 3,482 | $2,816 | $86,116,000 | -44.0 | 3 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | $8,880,000 | 3,455 | $2,570 | $273,800,000 | -50.4 | 4 | Warner Bros. |
| 5 | Funny People | $7,866,000 | 3,008 | $2,615 | $40,417,000 | -65.3 | 2 | Universal |
| 6 | The Ugly Truth | $7,000,000 | 2,975 | $2,353 | $69,088,000 | -46.9 | 3 | Sony |
| 7 | A Perfect Getaway | $5,765,000 | 2,159 | $2,670 | $5,765,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 8 | Aliens in the Attic | $4,000,000 | 3,108 | $1,287 | $16,293,000 | -50.1 | 2 | Fox |
| 9 | Orphan | $3,730,000 | 2,270 | $1,643 | $34,822,000 | -50.4 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 9 | (500) Days of Summer | $3,725,000 | 817 | $4,559 | $12,343,000 | 34.1 | 4 | Fox Searchlight |
Monday, August 3, 2009
'Funny People' bounces 'G-Force' for top spot with $23.4m, July 31-Aug. 2, 2009
Producer extraordinaire Judd Apatow's return to directing after a two year hiatus was cause for celebration, as the producer/writer/director's latest comedy Funny People topped the weekend with an estimated $23.4 million. The film bumped last weeks' champ G-Force to third, while Warner's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince held on to second place with $17.7 million. Fox's family film Aliens in the Attic finished in a disappointing fifth place with $7.8 million.
With comedic A-listers Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen joining forces for the first time in their respective careers, Universal's Funny People claimed the No. 1 spot this weekend with $23.4 million. The third film directed by Judd Apatow, following 2007's blockbuster Knocked Up ($30.6m opening, $148.7m total) and 2005's sleeper hit The 40-Year-Old Virgin ($21.4m, 109.4m), Funny People beat out a solid sophomore frame from G-Force and a small drop from Warner's Harry Potter.
Averaging a strong $7,795 in 3,007 theaters, the R-rated pic's internals aren't nearly as robust. The hefty $75 million budgeted release saw a 15% drop in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday, indicating tepid word of mouth. If the trend continues next weekend, the film will have a nearly impossible chance to reach $100 million domestic.
Warner's blockbuster Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince held its spot to move ahead of last week's champ G-Force, as the sequel fell less than 40% to $17.7 million. With many IMAX locations moving from Transformers 2 to Half-Blood Prince (166 in total), the $250 million budgeted pic managed to boost its domestic cume to $255.5 million. After a rocky sophomore frame that saw the film drop a stunning 62%, the film has rebounded and now looks on pace to reach $300 million. It's currently the fourth highest grossing film of 2009, behind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Pixar's Up, and Warner's The Hangover.
Internationally, Half-Blood Prince continues to dominate, raking in another strong $42.7 million in 64 markets, bringing its overseas haul to a whopping $492.3 million. Worldwide, the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series has grossed $747.8 million.
Disney's kidpic G-Force slipped 46% to third with $17.1 million, bringing its 10-day cume to $66.5 million. At its current pace, look for the film to surpass $100 million domestic.
With Apatow's Funny People grabbing much of the date crowd this weekend, The Ugly Truth took a 53% hit in its sophomore frame, bringing in $13 million this weekend. In ten days, the Sony pic has grossed a strong $54.5 million. Starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, the $38 million budgeted romantic comedy should hit $90 million domestic by the end of its run.
Fox's kidpic debut Aliens in the Attic opened with $7.8 million, averaging a weak $2,511 in 3,106 theaters. The poorly reviewed release won't last long in the top ten.
With comedic A-listers Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen joining forces for the first time in their respective careers, Universal's Funny People claimed the No. 1 spot this weekend with $23.4 million. The third film directed by Judd Apatow, following 2007's blockbuster Knocked Up ($30.6m opening, $148.7m total) and 2005's sleeper hit The 40-Year-Old Virgin ($21.4m, 109.4m), Funny People beat out a solid sophomore frame from G-Force and a small drop from Warner's Harry Potter.
Averaging a strong $7,795 in 3,007 theaters, the R-rated pic's internals aren't nearly as robust. The hefty $75 million budgeted release saw a 15% drop in ticket sales from Friday to Saturday, indicating tepid word of mouth. If the trend continues next weekend, the film will have a nearly impossible chance to reach $100 million domestic.
Warner's blockbuster Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince held its spot to move ahead of last week's champ G-Force, as the sequel fell less than 40% to $17.7 million. With many IMAX locations moving from Transformers 2 to Half-Blood Prince (166 in total), the $250 million budgeted pic managed to boost its domestic cume to $255.5 million. After a rocky sophomore frame that saw the film drop a stunning 62%, the film has rebounded and now looks on pace to reach $300 million. It's currently the fourth highest grossing film of 2009, behind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Pixar's Up, and Warner's The Hangover.
Internationally, Half-Blood Prince continues to dominate, raking in another strong $42.7 million in 64 markets, bringing its overseas haul to a whopping $492.3 million. Worldwide, the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series has grossed $747.8 million.
Disney's kidpic G-Force slipped 46% to third with $17.1 million, bringing its 10-day cume to $66.5 million. At its current pace, look for the film to surpass $100 million domestic.
With Apatow's Funny People grabbing much of the date crowd this weekend, The Ugly Truth took a 53% hit in its sophomore frame, bringing in $13 million this weekend. In ten days, the Sony pic has grossed a strong $54.5 million. Starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, the $38 million budgeted romantic comedy should hit $90 million domestic by the end of its run.
Fox's kidpic debut Aliens in the Attic opened with $7.8 million, averaging a weak $2,511 in 3,106 theaters. The poorly reviewed release won't last long in the top ten.
The numbers, July 31-August 2, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | Funny People | $23,440,000 | 3,007 | $7,795 | $23,440,000 | -- | 1 | Universal |
| 2 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | $17,700,000 | 4,393 | $4,029 | $255,463,000 | -39.9 | 3 | Warner Bros. |
| 3 | G-Force | $17,058,000 | 3,697 | $4,614 | $66,461,000 | -46.2 | 2 | Buena Vista |
| 4 | The Ugly Truth | $13,000,000 | 2,882 | $4,511 | $54,481,000 | -52.9 | 2 | Sony |
| 5 | Aliens in the Attic | $7,800,000 | 3,106 | $2,511 | $7,800,000 | -- | 1 | Fox |
| 6 | Orphan | $7,250,000 | 2,750 | $2,636 | $26,791,000 | -43.7 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 7 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | $5,300,000 | 2,757 | $1,922 | $181,843,000 | -37.0 | 5 | Fox |
| 8 | The Hangover | $5,080,000 | 2,071 | $2,453 | $255,776,000 | -21.4 | 9 | Warner Bros. |
| 9 | The Proposal | $4,848,000 | 2,435 | $1,991 | $148,882,000 | -24.0 | 7 | Buena Vista |
| 10 | Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen | $4,600,000 | 2,626 | $1,752 | $388,101,000 | -43.4 | 6 | Paramount |
Monday, July 27, 2009
'G-Force' surprisingly upends 'Harry Potter' for top spot, July 24-26, 2009
It was a brief run at the top for Warner's hit sequel Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as the unsuspecting wizard saga was upended by Disney's cute and cuddly G-Force after just one week in No. 1. In third was the debut of the Katherine Heigl-Gerard Butler romantic comedy The Ugly Truth, which bowed strongly despite poor reviews.
Taking advantage of 1,600 3D screens that largely came from rival Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Disney's G-Force found its way to the top spot this weekend with a strong $32.2 million. The PG-rated children's actioner surprisingly knocked off what was expected to be another No. 1 finish for Harry Potter, averaging $8,697 in 3,697 theaters. The live-action release followed successful 3D runs by animated pics Up and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, both of which took advantage of the higher ticket prices for 3D-equipped theaters. However, given the limited available of 3D screens around the country, one movie normally dominates the 3D screen theater count at the expense of another, in this case that film being Fox's Ice Age 3, which fell a steep 53% in its fourth week of release.
Falling a precipitous 62% in its second week of release, Warner's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince slipped to second with $30 million, bringing its 12-day cume to a whopping $221.8 million. Despite the huge drop, Prince is still running 7% ahead of 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix over the same time frame. Budgeted at a monstrous $250 million, the big budget sequel continued to dominate internationally, pulling in another $84.4 million. In 64 markets the film has amassed an overseas total of $405.3 million, bringing its worldwide haul to $627.1 million.
Sony's romantic comedy The Ugly Truth posted a strong $27 million in third, averaging an impressive $9,368 in 2,882 theaters. The R-rated debut bested Katherine Heigl's previous hit comedy 27 Dresses, which opened with $23 million on its way to $76.8 million in January 2008. Despite overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, the film managed to fill a significant vacuum in the marketplace for women and couples now that The Proposal is in its sixth week of release.
Opening mildly in fourth was the new horror pic Orphan, which bowed with $12.8 million in 2,750 theaters. Averaging $4,644 per theater, the R-rated thriller was butchered by critics and fell a steep 10% from Friday to Saturday, indicating soft word of mouth.
Fox's blockbuster computer-animated comedy Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs fell 53% (its largest drop to date) to $8.2 million, bringing its four week cume to $171.3 million. The film saw many of its 3D screens taken away and given to Disney's G-Force. At its current pace, the film looks on target to match or beat the finally domestic tally of its predecessor Ice Age: The Meltdown ($195.3 million). Overseas, the film has been an absolute monster, adding $40.6 million bringing its international cume to $505.4 million. In just four weeks the film has amassed $676.7 million worldwide.
Thanks to a surprisingly huge drop from Harry Potter, the top ten films fell 19% from last year's comparable frame when The Dark Knight held onto the top spot with $75.2 million.
Taking advantage of 1,600 3D screens that largely came from rival Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Disney's G-Force found its way to the top spot this weekend with a strong $32.2 million. The PG-rated children's actioner surprisingly knocked off what was expected to be another No. 1 finish for Harry Potter, averaging $8,697 in 3,697 theaters. The live-action release followed successful 3D runs by animated pics Up and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, both of which took advantage of the higher ticket prices for 3D-equipped theaters. However, given the limited available of 3D screens around the country, one movie normally dominates the 3D screen theater count at the expense of another, in this case that film being Fox's Ice Age 3, which fell a steep 53% in its fourth week of release.
Falling a precipitous 62% in its second week of release, Warner's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince slipped to second with $30 million, bringing its 12-day cume to a whopping $221.8 million. Despite the huge drop, Prince is still running 7% ahead of 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix over the same time frame. Budgeted at a monstrous $250 million, the big budget sequel continued to dominate internationally, pulling in another $84.4 million. In 64 markets the film has amassed an overseas total of $405.3 million, bringing its worldwide haul to $627.1 million.
Sony's romantic comedy The Ugly Truth posted a strong $27 million in third, averaging an impressive $9,368 in 2,882 theaters. The R-rated debut bested Katherine Heigl's previous hit comedy 27 Dresses, which opened with $23 million on its way to $76.8 million in January 2008. Despite overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, the film managed to fill a significant vacuum in the marketplace for women and couples now that The Proposal is in its sixth week of release.
Opening mildly in fourth was the new horror pic Orphan, which bowed with $12.8 million in 2,750 theaters. Averaging $4,644 per theater, the R-rated thriller was butchered by critics and fell a steep 10% from Friday to Saturday, indicating soft word of mouth.
Fox's blockbuster computer-animated comedy Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs fell 53% (its largest drop to date) to $8.2 million, bringing its four week cume to $171.3 million. The film saw many of its 3D screens taken away and given to Disney's G-Force. At its current pace, the film looks on target to match or beat the finally domestic tally of its predecessor Ice Age: The Meltdown ($195.3 million). Overseas, the film has been an absolute monster, adding $40.6 million bringing its international cume to $505.4 million. In just four weeks the film has amassed $676.7 million worldwide.
Thanks to a surprisingly huge drop from Harry Potter, the top ten films fell 19% from last year's comparable frame when The Dark Knight held onto the top spot with $75.2 million.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The numbers, July 24-26, 2009
| THE TOP TEN | Weekend | Theaters | Avg. | Total Gross | %+- | Wks | Distributor | |
| 1 | G-Force | $32,152,000 | 3,697 | $8,697 | $32,152,000 | -- | 1 | Buena Vista |
| 2 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | $30,000,000 | 4,325 | $6,936 | $221,800,000 | -61.5 | 2 | Warner Bros. |
| 3 | The Ugly Truth | $27,000,000 | 2,882 | $9,368 | $27,000,000 | -- | 1 | Sony |
| 4 | Orphan | $12,770,000 | 2,750 | $4,644 | $12,770,000 | -- | 1 | Warner Bros. |
| 5 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | $8,200,000 | 3,300 | $2,485 | $171,291,000 | -53.3 | 4 | Fox |
| 6 | Transformers: ROTF | $8,000,000 | 3,237 | $2,471 | $379,090,000 | -41.6 | 5 | Paramount |
| 7 | The Hangover | $6,465,000 | 2,285 | $2,829 | $247,100,000 | -20.9 | 8 | Warner Bros. |
| 8 | The Proposal | $6,423,000 | 2,779 | $2,311 | $140,086,000 | -22.5 | 6 | Buena Vista |
| 9 | Public Enemies | $4,170,000 | 2,291 | $1,820 | $88,096,000 | -46.2 | 4 | Universal |
| 10 | Brüno | $2,719,000 | 1,895 | $1,435 | $56,516,000 | -67.3 | 3 | Universal |
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